Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
General office clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learn their skills on the job. PayThe median hourly wage for general office clerks was $21.64 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of general office clerks is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 249,000 openings for general office clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for general office clerks was $21.64 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of general office clerks is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 249,000 openings for general office clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of general office clerks is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 249,000 openings for general office clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
General office clerks perform a variety of clerical tasks, including answering telephones, typing documents, and filing records.
Work Environment
Although general office clerks are employed in nearly every industry, many work in schools, healthcare facilities, and government offices.
How to Become a General Office Clerk
General office clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learn their skills on the job.
Pay
The median hourly wage for general office clerks was $21.64 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of general office clerks is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 249,000 openings for general office clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Although general office clerks are employed in nearly every industry, many work in schools, healthcare facilities, and government offices.
How to Become a General Office Clerk
General office clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learn their skills on the job.
Pay
The median hourly wage for general office clerks was $21.64 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of general office clerks is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 249,000 openings for general office clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for general office clerks.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of general office clerks with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about general office clerks by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.